Disney giftcard giveaway!

I hope you all enjoyed reading my answers to your questions. Some people are saying its hard to comment on my blog. Is it hard for you?

Can you believe James has NEVER been to Disney? Poor hubby. He is really missing out. Jackson is only 3.5 months old and we are already planning a trip (a few years down the road of course).

 

I was so excited when Krystin contacted me about Disney. It was perfect timing. James and I wanted to know how much we needed to save! 

Krystin is a certified Disney Vacation Planner aka Disney expert! She was just the person I needed to talk to. I went over to her Disney blog and dreamed about all the Disney fun we will be having. She has some really great information on what to do at Disney, what to bring (and what not to bring), some neat Disney movies and so much more!!!

If you are planning on going to Disney let Krystin plan your vacation. Guess what?? Her services are 100% free!! We have e-mailed back and forth and she is VERY  knolagable. She has tips, strategies, history and facts about Disney. She is also so sweet! 

Guess what? Krystin wants to give away a $30  Disney gift card  to one of my readers!!! The Disney gift card can be used at any Disney park, disneystore.com, and the Disney store!!I will pick a winner, Monday September 3rd!!!

Here is how to enter for a chances to win:

1. Go over to her blog. Tell me your favorite post and when you are going to Disney! (for one entry)

2. For another entry go over to her Facebook page and like it. (Krystin is doing a giftcard giveaway on her Facebook page when she reaches 800 likes!). Come back here and tell me you liked her page in the comment section. 

There are only 2 chances to be entered in the drawling. Please do not comment more then twice. Thanks!

Your questions answered

1. If you and James were to have more children, what names would you use to go with both Madison and Jackson?
I really like the name Brooklyn. But, who knows. I may change my mind a million times before then.  (No boy names have been picked)

2.I was wondering if you ever found out why Jackson's monitor kept going off?
I can't believe I forgot to blog about this! After it was read there were no findings of apnea or low heart rate. The only thing we can think is that the sensors were not picking up his heart rate or his strap was to lose. I am going to do a post about his monitor tomorrow so you all can see how it works! Thanks for reminding me!

3. I know you've mentioned before using soy isoflavones to help conceive. Can you share what protocol you followed? 
I did take them to get pregnant with Maddie. 

"Soy Isoflavones" is a natural plant derived phytoestrogen (phyto means plant), which is an anti-estrogen, just like Clomid. Both are known as SERMs (Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators). It works by fooling your brain into thinking its estrogen levels are low. This causes your body to reslease more FSH & LH which helps stimulate follicle production (same as Clomid). You take Soy Isoflavones, like Clomid, on cycle days 1-5 or 2-6, or 3-7 or 5-9.

I took it on cycle days 2-6. You kind of have to play around with it to see which days work for you.
Please consult your doctor before trying it.

4.Do you think you will ever go back to work?
I think so! I love teaching! It's one of my passions, but right now I am LOVING staying home with Jackson!

5.How long will Jackson be on the monitor?
I get this question a lot. His pediatrician recommends we keep him on it until he is 6 months old. James and I have talked about keeping him on it longer. I really do not know this answer. He will be on it until 6 months, maybe longer. I guess it depends on how comfortable I feel.


6. Do you happen to have a yummy recipe for a sauce to go over 3 cheese tortellini? Non tomato based. Hummm. Not that I know of. I usually get my recipes from Pinterest.


7. How is yalls playroom coming along? You guys should make a video of it like you did for Jacksons room. Well.. it pretty much is just Maddie's room with Jackson's toys in it. We don't go in there to play yet. When Jackson gets older I am sure we will go in there more. We pretty much just "play" in the living room.
 
8. Have you guys though about doing a family blog video of all 3 of you? Yes, but I keep forgetting! HaHA. I will put that on my to do list!! Promise!!

9. How are you enjoying being a stay at home mom? Do you miss working at all? Do you think you'll ever go back to work once Jackson is older? I LOVE staying home. It's so much fun! I get to see all of Jackson's milestone. I wouldn't trade it for anything!!!! I do miss working. I really miss the adult interactions the most. I haven't left the house in 2 days!

10. Have you continued nursing?
Yes and no.  I am only puumping. I found it WAY to frustrating for Jackson and I to keep trying to breastfeed. I have only been pumping for a few months now.  I still have a very low supply and we do supplement but I think a little breast milk is better then none! I never EVER thought I would make it this far- like ever! I think we are doing pretty good!!

11. Have you given any thought as to if/when you will have another baby? (I know it's super early, just wondering!) Yes, we want another baby! We always wanted two children. I really would like another girl, but if its another boy we are still done. I want to enjoy Jackson and his first year. So sometime after he is one we may start. Who knows??

12. I know you took some photography classes a while back, have you been doing any photoshoots?
No, not right now. It's super hard with Jackson to do them. He is really a GOOD baby. It's just me. I can't let him out of my site. One day I hope to get back to doing them!

13.Of all the recipes you have posted on your blog, which is your favorite?Girl I dunno? I think the only recipe I have cooked twice is the Goulosh because James loves it! I can't say to many recipes I do not like. We eat  a lot of Mexican food.

14. Has Jackson had any breathing episodes? At what point do you think you will stop using the hospital monitor? Do you use the Snuza at all?
No he has not had any breathing episodes at all. He really is just on it for precaution. No we do not use the snuza. We have it just in case the apnea monitor stops working. I have used it once. Honestly I didnt really like it. Jackson is a chunker and it could never get a good connection . I really think I didnt like it because I am so used to the apnea monitor.

15. Hey Kellie! I remember you saying you got a special peice of jewlery made in honor of Maddie, but where did you get it from? I tried to find that previous post but couldn't. I recently experienced a miscarriage and would like to do something like that, its such a beautiful idea. I was curious what your suggestion would be. Thank you for sharing!!!
I have received many beautiful pieces of jewelery in honor of Maddie.  I will do a whole post about them and take pictures for you. I'd love to share!

Questions..

Ok lets switch it up.

It's question time again.

If you have a burning question you would like me to answer post it in the comments section. I am going to answer them tomorrow.



For now I have some GREAT news....


Jackson rolled from back to belly this morning, twice!!!!!!!!!!

Tostada

 The best tostada recipe I have tried

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 (1oz) packet taco seasoning
• 2/3 cup salsa (I use pico de gallo)
• 1 can fat-free refried beans (I used refried black beans)
• 2 Tbsp sour cream ( we use organic- its delicious)
• 6 (8-inch) flour tortillas ( I use wheat)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• lettuce
• tomato
• additional sour cream

Place pizza stone or 15x10 baking sheet into cold oven.  Preheat oven to 425 with pan inside.

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the hamburger until no longer pink.  Drain fat.  Add taco seasoning and salsa to skillet.  Stir and simmer over low heat for 5 minutes.

Heat refried beans in microwave safe dish on HIGH for 2 minutes.  Stir in 2 Tbsp of sour cream.

To assemble the tacos, spread 3-4 Tbsp of refried bean on each tortilla.  Top with taco meat and cheese. 

Remove hot pan from oven.  Place assembled tortillas on pan and put back into the oven for 8-10 minutes, until cheese melts and the tortilla is crisp.  (I got 2 tortillas on each baking sheet)

Top with lettuce, tomato and sour cream.

I hate torticollis

I hate torticollis.

I feel like it is holding Jackson back from reaching his milestones. He can hold his head up on his own but it's very hard for him to turn it to the right. Poor baby tries and it just goes back to the left. It almost snaps back like a rubber band. It makes me so sad.

We do tummy time often. He is finally able to lift his head off the ground but not for very long (only a few seconds). So rolling over is out of the picture. He does roll on his side (from his back).

I know. I know. All babies develop at different time. I know this, but I feel like Jackson not getting the physical therapy like he needs is holding him back. September 6th can not get here soon enough! He is going to be evaluated then for a Texas program. Hopefully he will qualify and services can begin.

I am probably just over reacting but I am mad. Why is there a waiting list for physical therapy on an infant?? ARGG!

Jackson's head does look a little better but it is still very flat. We are waiting for September 12th to go to the neurologist. September 12th is the big day. I am so nervous about that day. He will be 4 months 3 days the same age as Maddie when she left us. I want to puke just seeing Jackson knowing Maddie was this age when she passed away. It makes me angry. We are going to try and keep ourselves focused on Jackson that day. September 12th was the only day the neurologist had available for Jackson to be seen. I hope that's a good sign from Maddie saying everything is going to be ok.  

Summer

Well today is the first day of school. I am usually at work hugging crying kids and telling moms their babies will be ok. But, today I woke up to a smiling baby boy. I kissed him and thanked God for this miracle.

We are both going to miss going shopping and haning out with Mimi. We had such a great summer. We did so much in a few short months.

We tried on lots of hats...Jackson hates hats. We may have a hard time if he has to have a helmet. 

 

We took a lot of pictures. 

We did a lot of smiling.

 We went on a few play dates. Colton and Chase really love Jackson!

Next summer we can go swimming, run, eat snowcones, blow bubbles, go to Maddies garden and really play with Colton and Chase.

Oh, I can hardly wait!

Saturday

Look at this little cutie. He melts my heart every time I see that smile (and tongue his new trick). He is just so handsome!!!

We had a playdate yesterday. I actaully brought my big camera. I started taking pictures and BOOM it died...great. I will charge it up today and post the (few) pictures tomorrow. 

Today we are going to Jackson's great granddads birthday. I cant wait to take some pictures! 

I want to remind ya'll our Thirty-One blog party ends TODAY! Please get your order in now if you would like to be entered in the drawing. Click HERE to place your order.

Thirty One

I was looking at the Thirty One catalog last night searching for what I wanted for my birthday (it's getting close) and I found the Retro Metro Bag. (In this picture its the bag that the girl is holding on the left)


Isn't that SO cute! I want to embroidery a "J" or maybe even "Jackson" on it. I can use it as Jackson's bag when we go to Mimi's (or any ones house). I think turquoise would be so pretty!! When we go somewhere I have to bring SO much stuff and I can NEVER ever find a bag big enough! This would be PERFECT! (This bag is on page 14 of the catalog) Guess what???? ALL Spirit Collection Styles are 50% off with a purchase of $31 in the month of August AND personalization is only $5!!!! That means this bag would be 50% off if you spend $31 or more!!

Don't forget our Thirty One Blog Party is going on.. Click here and take a look at the catalog. (Click my events and then click Another Day Stronger Blog to order) 

***Giveaway Time, Giveaway Time***

For every order placed by 8/25/12, your name will be put into a drawing for a $31 gift card for a future Thirty-one purchase AND one lucky person will win a flat-iron case in Black Parisian Pop!! Don't delay..tell your friends and family, too!

Twins.

My babies are twins....

                                                                                                           

 

 (Maddie is on the top Jackson is on the bottom)

                                                              

They looks so much alike. Sometimes I swear Jackson is Maddie just in a boys body. Is that wrong to think?

I love both of them so so much. I think I confuse myself sometimes. I look down and think  I see Maddie, but I know it's Jackson. I guess that is to be expected after Maddie suddenly left us with no explanations.

We are quickly approaching the 4 month 3 day mark where Maddie left us. I am so scared, nervous, and just sad. I know in my heart we are going to get to "keep" Jackson but I am still so anxious. I never thought in a million years we would  ever lose Maddie. So why am I so cofident we will get to keep Jackson?  So, Im just going to keep praying. Praying for Hope to shine through. Praying for my sanity on that day and the days to come. We will be fine. I just know it.

Love you Maddie girl. I miss you SO much!

100 days

 

 

 Jackson is 100 days old!

I cant believe I've had to pleasure of calling myself Jackson's mommy for 100 days. Jackson is such a joy to have in our lives. He is such a good little boy. He is so sweet and loves his mommy. We are so lucky! I must say that 100 times a day.

Do not forget our thirty one blog party is going on.. Click here to look at the catalog.

www.mythirtyone.com/MelanieShackelford, . Click my events and then click Another Day Stronger Blog to order. For every order placed by 8/27/12, your name will be put into a drawing for a $31 gift card for a future Thirty-one purchase AND one lucky person will win a flat-iron case in Black Parisian Pop!! Don't delay..tell your friends and family, too!

My babies

I finally took Jackson to see Maddie's spot. It was such a bitter sweet day. No words can describe the feeling of seeing both my babies together and only one of them physically being here.

Oh Maddie how I miss you so much!

Jackson and I talk to you every day. I hope you can hear us. We all love you so so much!

3 month party!

I don't think I have posted about this, but every month we have a birthday party for Jackson. We are so blessed to have him in our lives we just love to celebrate him. This month we partied at my dads house. He fried some fish and shrimp. It was so yummy!! Jackson's grandparents, great grandparents and his uncle were there to love on him. I made Jackson a birthday cake in the shape of a 3. Well I tried.....It didn't turn out to cute.

 

Jackson loved looking at this candles. 

 

Daddy playing with Jackson

Jackson, GG (great grandma), and Mimi

Thirty One

Look at this cute bag! Don't you just love it!! It's from thirty one. They have the best bags! They are just great quality and they have tons of styles!!

 

Thirty one has the cutest organizing bins. I want my craft room to look like this!!!

Thirty-one has some EXCITING specials this month AND a new color--PURPLE!! For every $31 worth of product you purchase, you get to pick a Spirit Collection item for 50% off. ALL personalization is only $5 with no minimum purchase. We have backpacks and lunch boxes that are perfect for back to school. Is your family involved in sports or extracurricular activities? The Spirit Collection is perfect to show your spirit and carry all your necessities around. We are also introducing ICON-IT for only $5. Add a baseball, volleyball, football, basketball, crown, flower, or soccer to any Spirit Collection item. 

Another Day Stronger Blog is having an on-line catalog PARTY!! Visit my website,

www.mythirtyone.com/MelanieShackelford, and take a looksy at the catalog. Click my events and then click Another Day Stronger Blog to order.

***Giveaway Time, Giveaway Time***

For every order placed by 8/27/12, your name will be put into a drawing for a $31 gift card for a future Thirty-one purchase AND one lucky person will win a flat-iron case in Black Parisian Pop!! Don't delay..tell your friends and family, too! 

Here is my contact information, melshackelford@

sbcglobal.net, if you have any questions or if you need help deciding. Happy Shopping!!

3 months

Jackson,

  You are 3 months old. Time has flown by. It feels like just yesterday I was in labor. You are getting so big Jack. You barely fit into your swing (which you still love) !! So much has gone on this month I have to really remember what we have been up to. We went to see a physical therapist about your neck. You have torticollis (one side of your neck is stiff). Mommy has been doing your exercises with you at home as best as she can. We are waiting to get you into physical therapy at home. We are also going to see a neurologist in September about the shape of your head. Buddy your head is flat on both sides now. You are most likely going to have to wear a helmet to fix it. You may not like it but you will thank me when you get older. I promise!

 Last time we took you to the doctor you weighed 13.10 1/2 pounds and that was over a week ago. If I had to guess I bet you weigh 14.5 pounds. We are taking you to get more shots tomorrow so I will update your weight then. You are so long Jackson. You grew out of your 3 month pj's and you are wearing 6 months. They are a bit big but you look  so cute in them. You are wearing mostly 6 month onesies and size 2 diapers. We finally found a brand of diapers you don't poop out of, Target brand. You may of just stopped pooing the way you were or we found a solution but I'm not ready to find out yet

You still love your swing. You love to "sit" up on mommy and daddys lap. You do not like to lay down to play. You still really dont like mommy to hold you if you are tired and trying to go to sleep. You like to be laid down or put in your swing and you go right to sleep. You love to smile.


You have really found your voice this month. You love to talk to anyone that will listen. I wish I knew what you were trying to say. Your sister used to talk to us and get so mad when we didnt understand. You laughed at mommy, but havent done it again. You also laughed at Mimi. You love your Mimi so much! Mommy had her wisdom teeth taken out this week and Mimi took care of you while daddy was working. You loved it!

You have not rolled over yet. Every day when we work on stregnthing your neck you lay on your tummy. You used to hate it. The second I put you down you would scream. Now you will tolorate it for a while then start crying. You are so silly Jackson. Every time I put you on your tummy you think you need to eat your hands. Insted of looking up like you are supposed to you look down and eat your hands. Needless to say you LOVE to eat and you love your hands!! Your hands are always in your mouth. You are eating 5 oz ever 2-3 hours during the day. You are sleeping from 9pm-6:45am. You must have an alarm clock in your crib at 6:45 on the dot you are up. You are still sleeping in a mini crib in our bed room. Sadly that may be coming to an end soon. You are starting to get to big for it. Mommy loves you sleeping in our room.

Your monitor has been going off for low heart rate. A lady came to our house last night to check on the monitor. She think its because you are getting so big and the lower setting need to be set lower. I will ask your doctor tomorrow.

I think Maddie comes to visit you at night. You lay in my lap and follow her from left to right and just smile and try to laugh. You will only smile at people or a toy you really like. Maddie is such a good big sister. I hope she is giving you lots of kisses! 

I just want you to know we all love you so much. You are such a joy to have in our lives. You are so happy and love your mommy and daddy so much! You are a true blessing.

Love you to the moon and back,

Mommy

Teeth

Ugh. Wisdom teeth. YUK!

I was asleep for the actual removal so that part was easy! The recovery. Not. So. Easy!

The surgeon told me it would take about 3 days to feel good. WRONG! I'm on day 5 and I am just not starting to feel kinda ok. My face is all brusied up it looks like Iv'e been in a fight. I'm also still very swollen.

I am so lucky my mom has been able to take care of Jackson. I have been out of it!

Today is my first day to eat a real (slow) meal. I am just so scared I am going to get food stuck in my sockets.

Thanks for all the well wishes. Hopefully I will feel back to my old self soon.

Updates

-I got my wisdom teeth out yesterday. I'm doing ok. Just very sore. I guess this is one really yukkie way to lose the rest of my baby weight. My mom has been watching Jackson for us. I really don't know we would do without her. Thanks mom. Love you!

-After calling the funeral home 4 times on Friday I finally got a hold on the manager. He pretty much had no clue where Maddie's stuff went. I stressed to him that this was not acceptable and ended our conversation in tears. He said they would reimburse me, but that wont bring back Maddie's special stuff. I'm still heart broken over it all.

-After calling and calling about Jackson's physical therapy I finally got an answer. Can you believe they said he is on a waiting list to be seen? There are 6 kids in front of him. So it was going to be 8 weeks or longer for him to even been seen. I told them that was ridiculous. I am doing his stretches at home but I'm not physical therapist. So right now I am calling around to find him somewhere else to go. 8 weeks is just not going to cut it!

-We have am appointment at a children neurologist in September. We are still going this route because we are told if he gets a diagnosis from the neurologist and he has to have a helmet the insurance may pay for more of it. Speaking of Jackson's head..I think it's looking better. Not good but better. I can tell him neck is getting stronger. We have been doing tons of tummy time and stretches.

Jackson

I realized yesterday that I haven't posted pictures of Jackson lately. Believe me I have taken tons and I post them on Facebook but I've forgotten to share with yall.

Here is my boy! We have been working hard on his neck muscles. Isn't he the cutest?

Wagon Wheel Pasta Salad

I found another yummy recipe. I added ground beef and it was perfect!!!

Wagon Wheel Taco Pasta Salad
1lb wagon wheel pasta
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 10oz package frozen corn (I don’t even bother thawing it, because I always make this at least a few hours before serving, so it plenty of time to defrost)
2 medium tomatoes, seeded and diced
8oz shredded Mexican-blend cheese
1 1/2 cups salsa
1/2 cup olive oil
3-4 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp cumin
1-2 tsp chili powder
2 garlic cloves, minced
freshly ground salt & pepper
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1 avocado, diced Cook the pasta al dente according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
In a large bowl, combine the black beans, corn, tomatoes, salsa, and cheese. Add the cooled pasta and mix well.
In another bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin and chili powder. Pour over the pasta salad, add the cilantro, and mix well. Season to taste with salt & pepper.
Just before serving, stir in the diced avocado.

Still mad!

Yesterday was hard.

I went to the oral surgeon. I got the wonderful new that I am getting my wisdom teeth out on Friday. Blah.

On the way home I stopped by the cemetery to see if Maddie's stuff was put back. Guess what? It wasn't. Shocker right?

I went inside to talk to our funeral director about her missing stuff. She took me to the most depressing place I have ever been. The place where they just dump all the stuff from graves that is "against regulations". When I say dump, I mean dump. There was a HUGE pile of stuff. No, not nicely sat on a shelf. It was thrown on the ground in a big pile of dirt. They director asked me to dig through it to find Maddie's stuff. I just couldn't do it. I didn't want to do it. After seeing that pile and how everything was just thrown everywhere I really just wanted to throw up. She felt bad so she started digging. We didn't find anything so I left. I got into my car and started crying. Angry, upset, heartbroken are all the emotions I felt.

I asked to talk to the supervisor but of coarse he was "in a meeting". Today I am calling again for the 4th time. I am going to get that supervisor on the phone and get an explanation of where my daughters things are. This is ridiculous! I am furious!